“Tilman and I have had many conversations since I returned and his unwavering support and counsel during our time together has been critical to our success,” Morey said.

After the Rockets were eliminated from this year’s NBA play-offs in the Covid-19 quarantine bubble at Orlando, Morey approached Fertitta about leaving and an exit deal was completed.

“Daryl is a brilliant innovator who helped the Rockets become a perennial contender,” Fertitta said. “I have truly enjoyed working with Daryl and couldn’t have asked for a better general manager to have at the start of my ownership.”

Morey, who had signed a five-year contract extension in March 2019, remains to the end of October to help the Rockets complete their search for a new coach.

Rafael Stone, the Rockets’ executive vice-president of basketball operations, will be promoted into Morey’s old job, while Eli Witus will be promoted to assistant general manager, according to the reports.

“I am very confident that the future – for the Rockets and for our incredible fans – is in great hands, and that the Rockets will continue to perform at the highest level,” Morey said.

The Rockets have made the NBA play-offs for each of the past eight seasons, the league’s longest active run. They lost to the eventual champions Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semi-finals.